What do you do when two or more countries, guided by all the technical advances of the 21st century, keep getting stronger, not separately, but concurrently ? US, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and even Singapore, have all added more strength to their offensive and defense equipment. One particular relationship that captures the imagination of all the power-centric dyads out there: the Sino-US relationship.
Both countries have the ability to launch nuclear counterstrikes; both have established their imprint in space and maritime waters; and both rank high on the integrity of their cyber networks. As the world evolves towards the “Internet of Things,” America will face more, not less, cyber threats from China; each of which is a potential dry run to wreak more havoc on the other.
David Gompert and Philip H Saunders have both called for strategic restraint. Instead of allowing the weaponry of each other to create a security dilemma, the key rests with transparency and accountability. Strategic restraint, such as reducing the number of loaded missiles aimed at Taiwan, will make the regional powers more adept at calibrating their attention to prevent accidental conflict.
The US should take preventive measures to increase the transparency of both countries; without which they will careen into more conflicts at high sea and underwater with China.